Primary Storage Devices

 Primary Storage Devices

A primary storage device is any storage device or component that can store nonvolatile data in computers, servers and other computing devices. It is used to hold/store data and applications temporarily or for a shorter period of time while the computer is running.

Primary storage is also known as main storage, main memory or internal memory.

Primary storage devices are internal to the system and are the fastest of the memory/storage device category. Typically, primary storage devices have an instance of all the data and applications currently in use or being processed. The computer fetches and keeps the data and files it in the primary storage device until the process is completed or data is no longer required.

Primary storage includes random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), cache and flash memory. Each of these have different uses within the computer.

Primary storage is located on the motherboard. As a result, data can be read from and written to primary storage extremely quickly. This gives the processor fast access to the data and instructions that the primary storage holds.

There are four types of primary storage:

1. Read Only Memory (ROM)

2. Random Access Memory (RAM)

3. Flash Memory

4. Cache Memory

The two main types of primary storage are ROM, which is non-volatile, and RAM, which is volatile. Non-volatile memory keeps its contents even when the computer is switched off. Volatile memory loses its contents when power is lost.

Primary storage is comparatively limited in size, especially when compared with secondary storage.

1. Read Only Memory (ROM): Read Only Memory (ROM), is a type of electronic storage that comes built in to a device during manufacturing. You'll find ROM chips in computers and many other types of electronic products; VCRs, game consoles, and car radios all use ROM to complete their functions smoothly.

2. Random Access Memory (RAM): RAM is a volatile memory means that data in RAM are lost when computer is turned off. It is the main memory of a computer or mobile phones. You can change or erase your data in RAM. Data or applications currently being used on a device are stored in RAM from the hard drives because data from the RAM are loaded much faster than the hard drives. Your computer speed will increase with the increase in the capacity of your RAM.

It is called 'random access' because data can be read and write randomly from any single byte.

3. Flash Memory: Flash memory is a non-volatile memory chip used for storage and for transferring data between a personal computer (PC) and digital devices. It has the ability to be electronically reprogrammed and erased. It is often found in USB flash drives, MP3 players, digital cameras and solid-state drives.

Flash memory is a type of electronically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), but may also be a standalone memory storage device such as a USB drive. EEPROM is a type of data memory device using an electronic device to erase or write digital data. Flash memory is a distinct type of EEPROM, which is programmed and erased in large blocks.

4. Cache Memory: Cache memory is a type of fast, relatively small memory that is stored on computer hardware. Commonly shortened to cache, it is classed as random access memory which computer microprocessors can access more quickly than regular RAM.

Difference between Primary and Secondary Storage devices.